Volunteers Needed for Medical Outreach in South Africa

Be immersed in the local culture, volunteer to contribute and further develop your health related skills, and connect with local people in a magical kind of way (c) ISV

Are you studying Nursing, Pre-Med, or other related Health Sciences?

This is your lucky day! There’s still time to join ISV’s Health Care Volunteer Team in St Lucia, South Africa.

With regular departures between May and September, & November and January each year, for two life-changing weeks this summer you can help, learn, share and connectwith local South Africans in need, and join other students like you from around Australia.

As there are limited places available you are encouraged to Apply ASAP.

By joining this project, you can help create meaningful and long lasting change, by sharing your medical knowledge, skills and care with the community members you work with. This will be done through advising on nutrition, creating family structure and support, home care visits and vital HIV-AIDS education.

As an ISV volunteer, you’ll assist practitioners with home-based care as well as help in an under-staffed and under-resourced local clinic, where you’ll be able to contribute with basic medical care (taking blood pressure, weight and urine samples) under careful supervision. This experience will be invaluable to you as you continue your educational journey and share your knowledge and experience with local community carers. In addition, you’ll be engaged in HIV-AIDS education, aimed at reducing local stigmas and myths around the disease. Finally, adding some more diversity to the project are some fun community outreach activities that need your help too. Get ready to learn about the local culture and enjoy the beautiful seaside location of St Lucia at the same time.

You can read the detailed project summary of last year’s project here (this year’s will have a similar focus and tasks).

This project is about people helping people and learning from each other. Get ready for the two most amazing weeks of your life! (c) ISV

Last year, eligible Australian and New Zealand students on an ISV medical outreach project received ACADEMIC CREDIT (through RMIT, as an elective). Depending on your area of study, you could also investigate volunteer placement / independent study options with your course supervisor.

More info? AUS/NZ students can contact au-rdinfo@isvolunteers.org or call our Australian office on 02 9369 5556. Alternatively, apply here – as a ‘special interest’ applicant. North American/European students can email info@isvolunteers.org or call +1-714-779-7392.

We ran this project for the first time in 2013. Here’s what some students from UNSW who travelled with us to this project in January had to say:

“What an amazing 2 weeks, so much more than I had ever imagined. The beautiful African spirit shone through in every experience – their cheeky smiles, inquisitive nature and generous hospitality. It has really brought home to me how much just hard work can have such a lasting impact on those willing to receive. Thanks ISV, I couldn’t ask for more!”

“ISV volunteer experience was fun, interesting, and beautiful. It made me appreciate Africa so much more as I learnt so much about their people, language and environment. At times the experience was emotional as I actually felt I was making a difference by spending only 2 weeks here. I would definitely recommend anyone to come and experience this.”

Local clinics are under-staffed and resourced. The extra hands are appreciated more than you can possibly comprehend!

“Being able to make a real, hands-on contribution and seeing how grateful the people are is so rewarding and heart-warming.”

“I jumped into SA without knowing what to except, but gained so much knowledge, experience and friendships from it. It will be an unforgettable experience in my life.”

“What an amazing 2 weeks, so much more than I had ever imagined. The beautiful African spirit shone through!”

“This time spent volunteering has been life changing and I feel that I am walking away from it a better man.”

“This experience was so amazing; one of the best things I’ve done in my LIFE!”

Good vibes all around. Be part of positive action to help others. You’ll gain more in the process than you thought possible (c) ISV

“Volunteering with ISV is an experience of a life time. There are a lot of life changing experiences which you can never experience in your home country!”

“Volunteering is such a rewarding and eye opening experience. There is really no better way to learn the culture and ways of a nations, while having the time of your life!”

This project needs volunteers, and you need this experience. It’s great for your studies, professioonal and personal development. You’ll make life-long friends and get to see the world while making a difference in the lives of others.

Go ahead, enquire today and contact au-rdinfo@isvolunteers.org or call our Australian office on 02-9369-5556, or our USA office on info@isvolunteers.org or +1-714-779-7392.